None but the contemptible are apprehensive of contempt.

Some people resemble ballads which are only sung for a certain time.

Men are inconsolable concerning the treachery of their friends or the deceptions of their enemies; and yet they are often very highly satisfied to be both deceived and betrayed by their own selves.

To understand matters rightly we should understand their details; and as that knowledge is almost infinite, our knowledge is always superficial and imperfect.

We often in our misfortunes take that for constancy and patience which is only dejection of mind; we suffer without daring to holdup our heads, just as cowards let themselves be knocked on the head because they have not courage to strike back.

It is worth nothing to be young without being beautiful, nor to be beautiful without being young.

There are two things which Man cannot look at directly without flinching: the sun and death.